News Now: I Can’t Say It’s Totally Surprising Ohio State Beat Oregon in the Rose Bowl…
The Rose Bowl, often referred to as the “Granddaddy of Them All,” stands as one of the most prestigious and iconic college football bowl games. Each year, the game brings together two top-tier programs, with its location in Pasadena, California, adding an extra layer of allure to the matchup. For fans, coaches, and players alike, the Rose Bowl is not just a game—it’s an opportunity to cap off the season with a historic win and solidify their place in college football history. The 2025 edition of the Rose Bowl featured a thrilling matchup between two college football powerhouses: the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Oregon Ducks.
When the final whistle blew, Ohio State emerged victorious, defeating Oregon in a high-stakes showdown that had fans on the edge of their seats. While many had expected a close contest, few would have predicted the way the game unfolded, with Ohio State dominating in key areas and proving their dominance in both offense and defense. However, if we take a step back and examine the broader context of the two teams’ seasons, the result of this game—while impressive—shouldn’t come as a total shock.
In this analysis, we will delve into why Ohio State’s victory over Oregon in the 2025 Rose Bowl was not entirely surprising. We’ll look at both teams’ performances leading up to the game, key matchups and storylines that played a significant role, and the factors that led to the Buckeyes’ victory. This deep dive will offer insight into the strategic elements, the individual performances that stood out, and why Ohio State’s triumph should be seen as the culmination of a season filled with promise, determination, and a relentless pursuit of greatness.
Ohio State’s Path to the Rose Bowl
To truly understand why Ohio State’s Rose Bowl victory wasn’t completely surprising, it’s important to look at the journey that led them to this moment. The Buckeyes entered the 2025 season with high expectations, fueled by an experienced roster, a well-regarded coaching staff, and a renewed sense of purpose following their disappointing exit from the College Football Playoff the previous year. In 2024, Ohio State had come within a whisker of advancing to the National Championship but fell short in the Big Ten Championship and a pivotal playoff matchup.
Despite the setbacks, the Buckeyes’ 2024 season was far from a failure. The team finished with an 11-2 record and was once again among the nation’s elite programs. They had a high-powered offense led by quarterback Kyle McCord, who emerged as a dynamic leader in the backfield, and a defense that boasted some of the best individual players in the country. The combination of a potent offense and a solid defense gave Ohio State a well-rounded game plan that made them a tough opponent for anyone.
By the time the Buckeyes reached the Rose Bowl, their strength in all three phases of the game—offense, defense, and special teams—had been on full display throughout the season. With a dominant win over Michigan earlier in the year and an impressive bowl game performance against an Oregon team that was ranked highly, Ohio State’s path to Pasadena felt like a natural progression for a team of their caliber.
Oregon’s Season: Rising Expectations and Setbacks
The Oregon Ducks entered the 2025 Rose Bowl with similarly high expectations. Under head coach Dan Lanning, Oregon had developed into a team that could compete with the best of them, boasting an offense that was both explosive and balanced. Quarterback Bo Nix, who had been a revelation for the Ducks in 2024, was poised to lead Oregon to its first College Football Playoff appearance since the 2014 season. The Ducks’ offense had been nearly unstoppable for much of the regular season, with Nix showing tremendous poise and decision-making.
However, despite their offensive firepower, Oregon struggled to find consistency at times during the 2024 season. Their defense, while talented, had shown vulnerability at times, particularly when faced with high-scoring offenses or physical teams in the trenches. Oregon also found itself in some close games, unable to put away opponents who had a defensive identity or exploited the Ducks’ occasional lapses.
The Ducks’ 2024 season ended with an 11-2 record and a strong finish, securing them a spot in the Rose Bowl. However, the Ducks had been hit with a few setbacks, including a loss to Washington in the Pac-12 Championship, which dashed their hopes for a College Football Playoff berth. As a result, Oregon found itself in the Rose Bowl, facing off against a highly motivated Ohio State team that was eager to prove itself on a big stage.
Key Matchups and Storylines in the Rose Bowl
When analyzing why Ohio State’s win over Oregon wasn’t entirely surprising, it’s crucial to consider the individual matchups and storylines that made this game so compelling.
- Quarterback Play
One of the biggest storylines heading into the Rose Bowl was the battle of quarterbacks. Ohio State’s Kyle McCord, who had been stellar in 2024, was set to face off against Oregon’s Bo Nix, who had been one of the most productive quarterbacks in the country. McCord had made significant strides in his development and had proven capable of leading a high-powered offense. Meanwhile, Nix had been one of the best dual-threat quarterbacks in the nation, known for his ability to extend plays with his legs and make big-time throws downfield.
The quarterback battle was expected to be a key factor in determining the outcome of the game. Would McCord’s poise and leadership prove to be enough to hold off Nix’s playmaking ability, or would Oregon’s signal-caller have a breakout performance to lead the Ducks to victory?
In the end, McCord’s ability to perform under pressure and his command of the Buckeyes’ offense were vital in Ohio State’s victory. McCord showcased his leadership by making crucial throws in key moments, including a well-executed touchdown pass to Marvin Harrison Jr. in the second half that stretched Ohio State’s lead. While Nix had his moments, including a couple of impressive scrambles and big throws, he was unable to match McCord’s efficiency in the passing game and struggled to keep the Ducks’ offense in sync during critical moments.
- Ohio State’s Defensive Line vs. Oregon’s Offensive Line
Another critical storyline heading into the Rose Bowl was the matchup between Ohio State’s dominant defensive line and Oregon’s offensive line, which had been one of the strengths of the Ducks’ offense in 2024. Ohio State’s defense, led by standout pass rushers and defensive linemen like J.T. Tuimoloau and Jack Sawyer, had the ability to disrupt opposing quarterbacks and stifle the run game. Oregon’s offensive line, while solid, had shown some weaknesses throughout the season, particularly against teams with strong front sevens.
In this matchup, Ohio State’s defensive line proved to be the difference-maker. Tuimoloau and Sawyer were relentless in their pursuit of Nix, consistently forcing him out of the pocket and disrupting Oregon’s rhythm. The pressure from Ohio State’s front four limited Nix’s effectiveness as he struggled to find open receivers downfield. Furthermore, the Buckeyes’ defense was able to shut down Oregon’s running game, which had been one of the Ducks’ main sources of offensive production during the season. By forcing Nix to rely on his arm rather than his legs, Ohio State effectively neutralized one of Oregon’s most dangerous weapons.
- Ohio State’s Balanced Offense
Ohio State entered the game with a potent, balanced offensive attack that had been difficult for teams to stop all season. With McCord at quarterback and a receiving corps featuring players like Marvin Harrison Jr., Emeka Egbuka, and Cade Stover, the Buckeyes had an array of weapons that could attack in both the passing and running games. Additionally, running back Miyan Williams provided Ohio State with a powerful ground game that could wear down opposing defenses.
Against Oregon, Ohio State’s offensive balance proved to be a key factor. While McCord was efficient through the air, the Buckeyes also found success on the ground, with Williams grinding out crucial yards to control the clock and keep Oregon’s offense off the field. Ohio State’s ability to attack both vertically and with physicality allowed them to wear down the Ducks’ defense and keep the pressure on throughout the game. Oregon, on the other hand, was more one-dimensional, relying heavily on Nix’s arm to generate offense. This made it easier for Ohio State’s defense to key in on their primary threat and limit Oregon’s offensive success.
- Turnovers and Special Teams
The turnover battle is often a decisive factor in close games, and the Rose Bowl was no exception. Both teams were disciplined for much of the game, but Ohio State’s ability to capitalize on Oregon’s mistakes made a significant impact. The Buckeyes were able to force crucial turnovers at key moments, including a timely interception that set up a touchdown and extended Ohio State’s lead.
Special teams also played a pivotal role in the Buckeyes’ victory. A key punt return by Ohio State gave them excellent field position late in the game, allowing the offense to execute a methodical drive that drained the clock and sealed the win.
Why Ohio State’s Victory Wasn’t Surprising
Given the season that Ohio State had in 2024 and the talent on their roster, it’s not entirely surprising that the Buckeyes were able to defeat Oregon in the Rose Bowl. Ohio State entered the game with a well-rounded team that had shown its ability to dominate both on offense and defense. While Oregon was a formidable opponent with a strong offense, the Ducks’ vulnerabilities in key areas—particularly their defense and offensive line—played a significant role in their inability to keep pace with Ohio State.
Furthermore, Ohio State’s experience in big games, coupled with their superior talent in the trenches, was always going to give them an edge in this matchup. The Buckeyes’ ability to execute in all three phases of the game—offense, defense, and special teams—was the difference in the Rose Bowl, and their victory was the result of a team that was simply more complete than Oregon.
Conclusion
In the end, Ohio State’s victory over Oregon in the 2025 Rose Bowl was the culmination of a season in which they had proven themselves to be one of the elite teams in college football. The Buckeyes’ balance on both sides of the ball, combined with their ability to execute in critical moments, gave them the edge over Oregon in a game that lived up to the hype
